2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

Butter. In the summertime I take it out of the refrigerator and soften it in the microwave. In the wintertime I take it out of the pantry and soften it in the microwave. And yes, I could get along without a microwave, but it's sure handy.

3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

You didn't expect this to be a short answer, did you? First, I had to go through my entire spiral-bound '100 Carols for Choirs' by David Willcocks & John Rutter, then I had to reread the lyrics. But I'll limit it to a few:

Wexford Carol:

Why would I choose this one? Because of the lyrics, of course. Listen carefully.

Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss perform it beautifully.

Angels From the Realms of Glory:

Why would I choose this one? Because just the thought of being able to watch the angels when they appeared to the shepherds and gave them the good news 'which shall be to all people!'

Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight over all the earth.

Ye who sang creation's story now proclaim Messiah's birth.

Shepherds, in the field abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with man is now residing; yonder shines the Infant Light.

Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;

Seek the great Desire of Nations; ye have seen his natal star.

Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear,

Suddenly the Lord, descending, In his temple shall appear.

Though an infant now we view him, He shall fill his Father's throne,

Gather all the nations to him,

Every knee shall then bow down:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

I'll post a YouTube clip of one of my all-time favorite Christmas carols at the end of the post.

4. Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken.

The most beautiful drive would probably be either in the Yorkshire Dales or in the Cotswolds. I'll let the photos describe them:

My Christmas 'list' involves things which I must clean, tidy, organize, decorate, or food whose ingredients I need to purchase. If you're talking about what I *want* on my Christmas list, it would be an Amazon Infinity Gift Card (surely they make those?!) because there are a couple books I really would like. I think prolific authors should start putting coupons in their books to help you purchase the next book!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I've posted this in years past, but I love this carol:

The lyrics are so worth repeating:The tree of life my soul hath seen, laden with fruit and always green;The tree of life my soul hath seen laden with fruit and always greenThe trees of nature fruitless be compared with Christ the apple tree.His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tell, His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tellThe glory which I now can see in Jesus Christ the apple tree.For happiness I long have sought, and pleasure dearly I have bought:For happiness I long have sought, and pleasure dearly I have bought:I missed of all; but now I see 'tis found in Christ the apple tree.I'm weary with my former toil, here I will sit and rest awhile;I'm weary with my former toil, here I will sit and rest awhileUnder the shadow I will be, of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

34 comments:

Amazon infinity card---LOL YES! Sign me up! I chose the angels, too. I thought it would be awesome to see them coming from the cloven skies. Those kitties look so content and cozy. And that snow! That snow! That lovely snow!

Hello, I love Allison Krause's voice and songs. What is an Amazon infinity card? I will look that up. Your snowy view down the driveway is beautiful. Lovely scenic drives and photos.Enjoy and have a happy day!

I don't make a gift list but now that you've mentioned the Amazon card....I'll take one of these! hahahaha! Love your wintry scenes. They are nice to look at...but it's getting harder for me to stand the cold! Holiday hugs, Diane PS I'm having a giveaway so pop over soon!

I am listening to the beautiful carol you provided, have never heard it. and while looking at your wonderful drive photos, it really makes the drive special. if you were in a car driving on that road and listening to this song. wow... no list at all, we don't do gifts. I had to laugh at Betty about the soap looking delish to eat, which I have said in the past a few times. I am with you on wanting the Amazon Infinity or any Amazon gift card, if anyone is reaing this, I can send you my address . LOL.... I love cash or Walmart or Amazon gift cards. maybe I should make a list and buy myself one. LOL... no wait. I am on speed shop, just find it and click once.

I didn't realize you had snow over there, Judy! None here yet and the bay hasn't even frozen over yet. It has been a strange fall leading into winter. Today we are in the single digits here on the bay- It is 20° in town...brr....too cold!

Love the music and the English countryside pictures you posted are GORGEOUS!!! xo Diana

I'm almost envious of your snow ... almost. Winter used to be my favorite season and the more snow the better, but now that my husband has accepted the job of keeping a portion of the interstate plowed during the night, snow suddenly doesn't look as inviting.

Would an Amazon Infinity card mean it was always full? Yes, that would be the ultimate gift. My Kindle wish list grows longer each day. I like books that are series. I like to get to know the characters. Like the Father Tim series by Jan Karon. What I don't like are books that leave you with a cliff hanger and tell you to be sure to read the second or third book to find out what happens. It seems to be a new trend. It is a gimmick, in my opinion, to sell more books. I won't buy (pun intended) into that manipulation.Sorry I didn't mean to get on a soap box.

I love the idea of an Amazon infinity card...now why didn't I think of that?? Your snowy scenes are so pretty...can't wait 'til we get some. Those views from your road trips are so beautiful...yes I can see why they are your favorites. Enjoy the rest of your week, Judy!

What a lovely snow you've already enjoyed... And my, oh my, a drive through the Yorkshire Dales would be the epitome for me!!! I really enjoyed the James Herriott series on BBC and thereafter read all of the books just because the exquisite scenery!!! Merry Christmas!

Your photos, as always, are just perfect. We drove through the Cotswolds and I failed to mention them. It is such a beautiful drive and I've also always wanted to drive through Scotland and Ireland. An amazing infinity card and the coupons are fabulous ideas! As it is, I have more books than time to read. I never should have gotten the Kindle. I've never heard those songs before.

I can see why you loved the ride in England - it was breathtaking. Loved your tree in the first pic. It looks cold there. Your two cats look like Ying and Yang - cute. I love Allison Krause - that song was wonderful - imagine all the angels around us we can't see. God is good.

Wow it seemed like just last week you were having some warmer weather and now your mailbox is frozen? Enjoyed your carols and answers. I hope you get your wish list accomplished. There's always something more than comes up though!

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